Following the catastrophic devastation of "Babylon the Great" described in Rev. 17-18, the scene shifts back to heaven in Rev. 19:1-10. In this passage, John describes a vision of a great multitude singing praises to the Lord. The Lord has judged his enemies and avenged the blood of the saints; therefore, the multitude cries, "Hallelujah!" The multitude also glorifies God because "the marriage of the Lamb has come." The marriage of Christ to his church is the consummation of God's redemptive work, and all those who are invited to the wedding banquet will enjoy a celebration beyond anything we can presently imagine.

In Revelation 18, John presents six oracles uttered in the aftermath of the fall of "Babylon the Great," i.e., the City of Rome. Three oracles are uttered by angels of God, and three are uttered by groups who had profited by Rome's prior success: the kings of the earth, the merchants, and the mariners. In these oracles, we are reminded yet again of the ultimate desolation and ruin to be experienced by those who are rich in the things of this world but are not rich toward God. This passage also reminds us that God is the ultimate sovereign who loves the saints with an undying love, and who will vindicate them on the last day.

In this chapter Paul gives us four things that are true for every Christian:

1) God does the saving work, not you

2) Your core identity is Jesus

3) God made you who you are

4) You are in your assigned area of influence. So take heart. God can use you.

In Revelation 17, John personifies Rome as a harlot living a life of decadence and debauchery.  She rides atop a ferocious beast with seven heads and ten horns.  The beast and the harlot join forces to wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb is victorious.  In this very vivid depiction of judgment, John again reminds us that the forces of evil are no match for the Lamb of God, who overcomes all his foes and provides redemption for those who place their faith in him.

In this dramatic passage about weapons, warfare, destruction of strongholds and "taking every thought captive," Paul gives a fascinating and challenging answer to two questions:

1) What is our task as the church? 

2) What is a Christian?

The good news of God's generosity in the gospel

1) frees us to sow bountifully

2) produces a cheerful heart

3) is fuel for our sanctification, here described as a "harvest"